Chicago, Highland Park shooting: "We as a nation allow something like this"

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It was supposed to be a light-hearted celebration, but a bloodbath ensued: at least six people died yesterday in a suburb of Chicago at the celebrations for July 4th, America's Independence Day.

Another 25 people aged between 8 and 85 had to be treated for gunshot wounds, according to the authorities.

Dick Durbin, Illinois Senator

"It breaks my heart.

These stories that have come out now.

Things happened that you will never forget.

It happened to these wonderful people who just wanted to see the Fourth of July Parade with their families.

What an American day, what an American experience, and what an American tragedy that followed."

Apparently, the perpetrator fired indiscriminately from a house roof at the visitors of the street parade, which is reminiscent of the German street carnival with its floats, dance groups and music bands.

A few hours after the crime, the alleged perpetrator was arrested after a short chase.

Louis Jogmen, Chief of Police, Highland Park

“Our investigators have worked tirelessly to solve this killing spree.

A suspect was identified through cooperation with law enforcement agencies and information and tips from the public.

Our authorities are working flat out to learn more about the suspect.

We continue to receive leads from the public and law enforcement partners, and we are investigating every lead.”

The police cannot say anything about a possible motive at the moment.

But once again, senseless gun violence and tougher laws are being discussed in the United States.

US President Joe Biden was shocked in the evening.

Joe Biden, US President

“Six people have died and others are wounded, but we still have work to do.

We need to get this under control.

We need to get this under control.

But having said that, I want to take a minute's silence for all of these families."

Far-reaching reforms of gun laws repeatedly fail due to opposition from Republicans in Congress and the influence of the powerful gun lobby organization NRA.

Jay Robert Pritzker, Governor of Illinois

“I am angry that families are forever broken by what happened today.

I am angry that children and their families have been traumatized.

I am angry that this is happening in churches across Illinois and America.

I'm angry because it doesn't have to be that way and we as a nation, well, we continue to allow it.

While we only celebrate the Fourth of July once a year, mass shootings have become a weekly, even weekly, tradition.”

The firearm found in Highland Park was a "powerful rifle."

Assault rifles are usually used for such bloody crimes in the USA.